Halle Berrys 8 Best Movies Since Catwoman

As a long-time fan of Halle Berry, I must say that her filmography is nothing short of impressive. From her early roles to her recent appearances, Berry has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and excel in various genres.

In the early ’90s, actress Halle Berry made her big-screen entrance and swiftly captivated global audiences. Initially, she primarily appeared as romantic leads or comedic counterparts in films. However, her versatility was soon evident as she ventured into various other roles. Berry demonstrated repeatedly that she wasn’t just a beautiful face but a talented actress, particularly when she made history by becoming the first African-American woman to receive an Academy Award for Best Actress – a feat she achieved through her exceptional performance in Monster’s Ball.

After that, she assumed several prominent positions, including playing Catwoman in 2004, a role that has become her most recognizable work. Despite being panned by critics and bombing at the box office, it’s seen a revival of appreciation in recent times. Some viewers now categorize it as “so bad it’s good,” while others believe it was unfairly criticized altogether. Ariana Grande even paid tribute to the film in her music video for “The Boy Is Mine.”

Since the movie “Catwoman”, Halle Berry’s cinematic contributions have continued to improve. Keep on reading to discover her finest movies made after 2004.

8 Frankie & Alice (2010)

In the year 2010, Halle Berry took on a role in the drama “Frankie & Alice,” which was inspired by real events. This story revolves around Frankie, a dancer at a Los Angeles club in the ’70s who is well-liked by the patrons. One evening, she catches the eye of a bartender, and they head to his apartment for what seems like a romantic encounter. However, before things can progress, Frankie suddenly transforms into an alternate personality, causing her to attack the man. After this incident becomes public knowledge, she is let go from her job at the club. The movie then chronicles Frankie’s journey as she grapples with her dissociative identity disorder.

A Story That’ll Make You Think

Some people label this movie as awards bait. While this is technically accurate, as the release was planned to make it eligible for certain honors (it ended up with a Golden Globe nomination), Berry didn’t portray Frankie in a sensationalized way that exploited her mental health struggles to shock audiences. Rather, she was sympathetic and brought a lot of dimension to each of the “different people living inside [her].” It’s a relatively unknown credit in Berry’s filmography, but one of the most emotionally poignant.

7 The Call (2013)

The Emergency Call

A Call Viewers Won’t Forget

The phrase “call” in this film reminds one of a kidnap scene from the well-known movie Taken, but here, Jordan being an ordinary person instead of a skilled detective and assassin gives it a more realistic feel. The word ‘tense’ doesn’t quite capture the essence of The Call; rather, it leaves you on the edge of your seat. Abigail Breslin gave an outstanding performance as the young girl, but it’s Halle Berry’s portrayal of Jordan that stands out. Her composed behavior amidst escalating tension throughout the movie makes for a gripping viewing experience.

6 Bruised (2020)

In the sports drama “Bruised,” actress Berry skillfully utilized her extensive film background, demonstrating her talent both behind and in front of the camera. As a first-time director, Berry narrates the story of Jackie Justice, a former UFC fighter who experienced a downfall after giving up in a crucial match. Currently, she finds herself stuck in a job she despises, turning to alcohol to numb her pain. Yet, she yearns for a comeback in the fighting world, doubting whether it’s still possible. The arrival of her long-lost son, brought by her mother, adds another layer of turmoil to Jackie’s already chaotic life.

Wearing All the Hats

Prior to the release of “Bruised“, Berry had been in several films that were met with unfavorable reviews. Given that she was not only starring but also producing and directing this movie, there was significant anticipation. Although some critics didn’t find it perfect, they acknowledged its merits. Particularly praised was Berry’s portrayal of Jackie, as she delved deep into the character’s psyche and those around her. The characters in the film were far from stereotypical or one-dimensional, showcasing Berry’s versatility as a filmmaker.

5 Things We Lost in the Fire (2007)

DreamWorks Pictures might primarily be recognized for creating animated hits such as Shrek, yet it’s important to note that they are not limited to animation alone. For instance, DreamWorks has ventured into live-action storytelling, as demonstrated by the dramatic film Things We Lost in the Fire, which features Halle Berry and Benicio del Toro.

Audrey Burke (Berry) enjoys a contented life alongside her husband Brian and their two children. However, as is often the case in movies, this idyllic existence is about to be disrupted. This time, the trouble arrives in the form of Brian’s murder. To cope with this heart-wrenching tragedy, Brian’s closest friend Jerry, who is battling drug addiction, decides to move in with Audrey and the children.

Bring Out the Tissues

This production promises an abundance of emotional turmoil and perhaps some poignantly sad scenes. The dynamic between Audrey and Jerry is far from simple; they’re entangled in a complex web of feelings stemming from their mutual loss. In ways neither anticipates, they grow closer than expected, a development viewers can certainly relate to. With the inclusion of their children, the movie offers a touching portrayal of familial bonds.

Berry and del Toro share an exceptional on-screen connection, unfortunately, their film “Things We Lost in the Fire” didn’t receive much attention despite being released. The movie didn’t do well at the box office and gradually disappeared afterward. Although the plot doesn’t offer many unexpected twists, it underscores the importance of telling quiet, poignant stories.

4 Cloud Atlas (2012)

Cloud Atlas deviates from Berry’s typical movies that focus on drama and thriller genres. This intricate science fiction film is an adaptation of a novel written by David Mitchell, which was published in the year 2004. The storyline, which is quite complex, traverses centuries and various characters who have fascinating connections with each other.

In the movie “Cloud Atlas,” Berry portrays Luisa, a 1973 San Francisco journalist. Her life takes a risky turn when she’s given information about a plot to detonate nuclear weapons. However, Berry doesn’t just embody Luisa; she also assumes the roles of various women in different time periods. This ranges from island dwellers in the 1840s to residents of post-apocalyptic Hawaii in 2321.

Divided Thoughts

Gather your notebooks, pens, or pencils, as following the numerous characters and the extensive time span covered by “Cloud Atlas” might require some initial focus. However, don’t let the multitude of character names and the vast time period discourage you from enjoying this film.

Initial reactions may have been split, with some praising the cinematography and others complaining the nearly three-hour runtime was way too long, but each timeline gives viewers a new set of characters to become invested in and a satisfying ending to see how everything (and everyone) comes together.

3 Robots (2005)

In the film, Berry lends his voice for the first time, playing a role as a robot named Rodney. This robot is an aspiring inventor and the story revolves around him. One of his inventions finds itself in trouble, prompting Rodney to journey towards Robot City. His objective in this city is to meet his idol, Bigweld, who owns Bigweld Industries, and persuade him that his creation holds some value. However, upon reaching Robot City, Rodney learns that Bigweld’s new manager, Ratchet, has plans that could potentially harm outdated robots like himself.

A Fun, Family-Friendly Film

In the movie “Robots,” Cappy, a high-ranking executive at Bigweld, shares Rodney’s disdain for Ratchet. As they collaborate to thwart Ratchet, their bond grows stronger, eventually leading them to develop feelings for each other. The film was highly successful in theaters, and it seemed likely that a sequel was on the horizon. However, the studio’s more lucrative “Ice Age” franchise took precedence, causing “Robots” to be sidelined. Despite not receiving a follow-up, viewers are given a satisfying conclusion and character development within this film.

2 John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)

Berry starred in the cast of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum”, joining the likes of Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne. In this third installment of the “John Wick” series, John Wick’s ongoing battles against The High Table’s assassins are depicted. Berry takes on the role of Sofia, a former friend of John Wick with a murky past as an assassin.

Why It’s Great

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that each John Wick film delivers pulse-pounding action sequences, and Chapter 3 is no different. In this installment, the intricate relationship between John and Sofia unfolds subtly in Berry’s initial scene with our protagonist. On Rotten Tomatoes, it’s one of Berry’s top-rated projects at an impressive 89%. Amongst superfans, Chapter 3 is often their preferred film within the series. In essence, it serves as a natural progression from Chapter 2, with numerous key characters playing pivotal roles in this chapter. Yet, even if you’re new to the franchise and decide to jump right into Chapter 3, you’ll still find yourself thoroughly captivated by the action-packed spectacle.

1 X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

Apart from the successful John Wick series, Berry was also a key player in another popular franchise – the X-Men. Over a ten-year span, she starred in four X-Men films. Some consider her finest performance to be in her final outing with the team, X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014). In this movie, Wolverine (portrayed by Hugh Jackman) travels through time to avert a disaster that threatens both humans and mutants, merging the original and rebooted X-Men timelines.

The End of an Era

In this latest X-Men film, there were some notable shifts. Halle Berry’s role was scaled down due to her pregnancy, but she made the most of every scene she appeared in. Meanwhile, other actors like Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique received more focus. The casting for these movies was exceptional, with each actor delivering a convincing performance while also seamlessly fitting into the large ensemble cast.

The most recent film starring Halle Berry, titled “The Union“, is now available for streaming on Netflix. Here’s a sneak peek at the trailer:

2024-08-27 01:32